Training device

ABSTRACT

A training device to strengthen the legs of a user while the device is worn by the user is disclosed. The device includes a belt for attachment about the waist of a user and a first foot engaging assembly coupled to the belt by a first resilient strap. The first resilient strap has a first end coupled to a front portion of the belt and a second end coupled to a rear portion of the belt, wherein the first foot engaging assembly is coupled to the first resilient strap along a central portion of the first resilient strap between the first end of the first resilient strap and the second end of the first resilient strap. The device also includes a second foot engaging assembly coupled to the belt by a second resilient strap. The second resilient strap has a first end coupled to a front portion of the belt and a second end coupled to a rear portion of the belt, wherein the second foot engaging assembly is coupled to the second resilient strap along a central portion of the second resilient strap between the first end of the second resilient strap and the second end of the second resilient strap. In use, the belt is secured to the waist of a user while the first foot engaging assembly and the second foot engaging assembly are respectively secured to the feet of a user in such a way the first resilient strap and the second resilient strap strengthen the legs of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a training device. More particularly,the invention relates to a resilient training device adapted tostrengthen the legs of a user while being worn by the user.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Training devices for strengthening the legs of an individual havebeen around for some time. In fact, some of the prior training devicesmay be worn by the user while he or she exercises to strengthen his orher legs. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,097,376 to Marshman discloses anexerciser for attachment to the body of a user. The exerciser includes aharness for attachment to the upper body of the user. The harnesssupports a plurality of cables secured between the harness and the feetof the user.

[0005] Specifically, two cables are worn on the front of the harness andsecured to the front of special shoes having eyes for attachment of thecables thereto. Two cables are also worn on the back of the harness andsecured to the back of the special shoes having eyes for attachment ofthe cables thereto. Unfortunately, this design is rather cumbersome anddoes not provide a user with a wide range of flexibility as he or sheuses the exerciser.

[0006] For example, the full upper body harness substantially confinesthe movements of the user, while the special shoes required by theexerciser make it difficult to adapt the exercise for different uses. Inaddition, the use of separate straps for the front and back of theexerciser substantially limits the versatility of the exerciser, sincethe fixed lengths of the cables do not adapt to the different positionsa user might assume while he or she exercises.

[0007] Another training device employing elastic straps is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,062,642 to Berry et al. This training device includes asingle strap secured between a belt and a pair of foot engaging loops tocreate two forward runs and two rearward runs. The device is primarilydesigned for training golfers to properly position their legs whileswinging a golf club. As such, the foot engaging loops are shaped anddesigned for attachment at the arch of the user's feet.

[0008] While positioning each loop at the arch of a user's foot may beadvantageous for golfers who remain stationary, the use of a footengaging loop secured at each arch of a user's foot would cause a greatdeal of discomfort resulting from the application of pressure on thearch of the user's foot. In addition, the loop is not designed to remainon the foot of a user moving about while he or she exercises. Finally,the use of a single strap requires that the strap pass along the innersurface of the belt. While the attachment of the belt along the innersurface of the belt may be acceptable in golf training, where the golferdoes not move a great deal, the belt mounted on the inner surface wouldapply undesirable pressure to the body of a user moving about while heor she exercises with the training device.

[0009] After reviewing the prior art, it is clear that a need exists fora training device that may be worn by a user to strengthen his or herlegs while the user goes about his or her normal training routine. Thepresent invention provides such a training device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide atraining device to strengthen the legs of a user while the device isworn by the user. The device includes a belt for attachment about thewaist of a user and a first foot engaging assembly coupled to the beltby a first resilient strap. The first resilient strap has a first endcoupled to a front portion of the belt and a second end coupled to arear portion of the belt, wherein the first foot engaging assembly iscoupled to the first resilient strap along a central portion of thefirst resilient strap between the first end of the first resilient strapand the second end of the first resilient strap. The device alsoincludes a second foot engaging assembly coupled to the belt by a secondresilient strap. The second resilient strap has a first end coupled to afront portion of the belt and a second end coupled to a rear portion ofthe belt, wherein the second foot engaging assembly is coupled to thesecond resilient strap along a central portion of the second resilientstrap between the first end of the second resilient strap and the secondend of the second resilient strap. In use, the belt is secured to thewaist of a user while the first foot engaging assembly and the secondfoot engaging assembly are respectively secured to the feet of a user insuch a way the first resilient strap and the second resilient strapstrengthen the legs of a user.

[0011] It is also an object of the present invention to provide atraining device including a third resilient strap having a first endcoupled to a front portion of the belt adjacent the first end of thefirst resilient strap and a second end coupled to a rear portion of thebelt adjacent the second end of the first resilient strap. The thirdresilient strap is coupled to the first foot engaging assembly along acentral portion of the third resilient strap between the first end ofthe third resilient strap and the second end of the third resilientstrap. The device also includes a fourth resilient strap having a firstend coupled to a front portion of the belt adjacent the first end of thesecond resilient strap and a second end coupled to a rear portion of thebelt adjacent the second end of the second resilient strap. The fourthresilient strap is coupled to the second foot engaging assembly along acentral portion of the fourth resilient strap between the first end ofthe fourth resilient strap and the second end of the fourth resilientstrap.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide atraining device wherein the first resilient strap, the second resilientstrap, the third resilient strap and the fourth resilient strap arereleasably coupled to the belt.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide atraining device wherein the first foot engaging assembly is releasablycoupled to the first resilient strap and the third resilient strap, andthe second foot engaging assembly is releasably coupled to the secondresilient strap and the fourth resilient strap.

[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide atraining device wherein the first foot engaging assembly is slidablycoupled to the first resilient strap and the third resilient strap, andthe second foot engaging assembly is slidably coupled to the secondresilient strap and the fourth resilient strap.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide atraining device wherein the first resilient strap is releasably coupledto the belt and the second resilient strap is releasably coupled to thebelt.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide atraining device including a fifth resilient strap having a first endcoupled to a first side portion of the belt and a free second endadapted to be gripped by a user, and a sixth resilient strap having afirst end coupled to a second side portion, opposite the first sideportion, and a free second end adapted to be gripped by a user.

[0017] It is also an object of the present invention to provide atraining device including a first handle coupled to the second end ofthe fifth resilient strap and a second handle coupled to the second endof the sixth resilient strap.

[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when viewed inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certainembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an individual wearing the device.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the training device.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the toe cap.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the strap connection.

[0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0024]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a jump rope attachment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis forteaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

[0026] With reference to FIG. 1, a training device 10 to strengthen thelegs of a user is disclosed. The training device 10 is utilized whilethe device is worn the user. As such, the device 10 includes a belt forattachment about the waist of a user. The belt 12 is similar to weightlifting belts used by an individual to support his or her back as he orshe lifts weights. The belt is, therefore, provided with a buckle 14 forreleasably securing the belt 12 about the waist of the user. Adjustmentof the belt 12 is achieved by the provision of a Velcro (hook and loopmaterial) connection loop 15.

[0027] Strength training is provided by the provision of four resilientstraps positioned between the belt 12 and toe engaging caps 16, 18.Specifically, a first toe cap 16 is coupled to the belt by a firstresilient strap 20. The first toe cap 16 includes first and second loops22, 24 through which a central portion 26 of the first resilient strap20 passes to slidably couple the first toe cap 16 to the first resilientstrap 20.

[0028] Attachment of the first toe cap 16 to the belt 12 is achieved byreleasably coupling the first end 28 of the first resilient strap 20 toa first front portion 30 of the belt 12 via a slidably mounted front pad69 and releasably coupling the second end 32 of the first resilientstrap 20 to a first rear portion 34 of the belt 12 via a slidablymounted rear pad 70. Specifically, the front pad 69 includes a firstattachment loop 36 at the first front portion 30 to which the first end28 of the first resilient strap 20 is releasably coupled by a clip 38secured at the first end 28 of the first resilient strap 20. The firstattachment loop 36 is coupled to the front pad 69 by a connection strap40 having an adjustment buckle 42 thereon. Similarly, the rear pad 70includes a second attachment loop 44 at the first rear portion 34 towhich the second end 32 of the first resilient strap 20 is releasablycoupled by a clip 38 secured at the second end 32 of the first resilientstrap 20. The first attachment loop 36 and the second attachment loop 44are positioned such that the first resilient strap 20 extends along thefront and the back of a user's leg while the device 10 is worn by theuser.

[0029] The device is also provided with a second toe cap 18 forattachment to the other foot of a user. Specifically, the second toe cap18 is coupled to the belt by a second resilient strap 46. The second toecap 18 includes first and second loops 48, 50 through which a centralportion 52 of the second resilient strap 46 passes to slidably couplethe second toe cap 18 to the second resilient strap 46.

[0030] Attachment of the second toe cap 18 to the belt 12 is achieved inmuch the same manner as attachment of the first toe cap 16 to the belt12. Specifically, the belt 12 includes a third attachment loop 54 at thesecond front portion 56 to which the first end 58 of the secondresilient strap 46 is releasably coupled by a clip 38 secured at thefirst end 58 of the second resilient strap 46. The third attachment loop54 is coupled to the belt by a connection strap 40 having an adjustmentbuckle 42 thereon. Similarly, the rear pad 70 includes a fourthattachment loop 60 at the second rear portion 62 to which the second end64 of the second resilient strap 46 is releasably coupled by a clip 38secured at the second end 64 of the second resilient strap 46. The thirdattachment loop 54 and the fourth attachment loop 60 are positioned suchthat the second resilient strap 46 extends along the front and the backof the user's other leg while the device is worn by the user.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the toe caps can easily be interchanged withstirrups 116 and 118. Thus, in keeping within the spirit of theinvention, it is contemplated that various foot engagement assembliescan be used.

[0032] Increased resistance is provided by third and fourth resilientstraps 66, 68 respectively coupled between the belt 12 and the first toecap 16 and the second toe cap 18. The third and fourth resilient straps66, 68 are attached between the belt 12 and the toe caps in the samemanner as the first and second resilient straps.

[0033] The use of sliding pads 69 and 70 provide for improvedadjustability so that the device may comfortably conform to may size andshaped users. In addition, the first and second loops attaching thestraps to the toe caps are coupled to the toe caps by straps 71 withadjustment buckles 42.

[0034] The first and second toe caps 16, 18 are designed to bepositioned and held over the toe portion of a user's foot such thatforce is applied between the ball of the user's foot and the tip of theuser's foot. While the toe caps are simply designed to fit over thefront portion of a user's foot, the toe caps could be provided with avariety of restraining structures without departing from the spirit ofthe present invention.

[0035] In use, the belt is positioned about the waist of a user and thetoe caps are secured to the front portion of the user's feet. Theresilient straps are coupled between the toe caps and the belt such thatthe first and third resilient straps wrap about the front and rear ofone of the user's legs, while the second and fourth straps wrap aboutthe front and rear of the user's other leg. Once the device is properlyattached to the user's body, the user may exercise while the resilientstraps apply resistance to the motion of his or her legs. The constantresistance exercises the muscles in the user's legs and ultimatelyincreases the strength of the user's legs.

[0036] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is disclosed inFIG. 5. This embodiment is identical to the embodiment previouslydescribed with the exception that it is provided with fifth and sixthresilient straps 72, 75 which the user may grasp to exercise his or herupper body. Specifically, the fifth resilient strap 72 includes a clip38 at its first end 77 and a threaded fastener 90 at its other end. Theclip 38 is releasably secured to a fifth attachment loop 78 secured tothe belt 12. Similarly, the sixth resilient strap 75 includes a clip 38at its first end 73 and a threaded fastener 90 at its other end. Theclip 38 is releasably secured to a sixth attachment loop 74 secured tothe belt 12. Handles 82, 84 having mating threaded fasteners 91 on theresilient straps 86, 88 extending therefrom. Threaded fasteners 90 maybe connected to threaded fasteners 91 to secure the handles to the belt12.

[0037] In use, an individual may grip the handles of the fifth and sixthresilient straps as he or she exercises with the device attached abouthis or her waist. The additional resistance straps help a user exercisehis or her upper body while exercising his or her lower body with theresilient straps.

[0038] Still further as shown in FIG. 6, a jump rope 100 is shown havinga series of weighted threaded fasteners 95 on the ends thereof. Thesefasteners are similar to threaded fasteners 90 on the ends of resilientstraps 72 and 75 and can be connected thereto. Once connected a user canjump rope while using the training device of the present invention.

[0039] As shown the attachment loops may be of various shaped, however,circular are the preferred embodiment.

[0040] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, itwill be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention bysuch disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A training device to strengthen the legs of a user while the deviceis worn by the user, comprising: a belt for attachment about the waistof a user; a front pad and a rear pad connected about the belt so as toslide thereon; a first foot engaging assembly coupled to the belt by afirst resilient strap, the first resilient strap having a first endcoupled to the front pad and a second end coupled to a rear pad, whereinthe first foot engaging assembly is coupled to the first resilient strapalong a central portion of the first resilient strap between the firstend of the first resilient strap and the second end of the firstresilient strap; a second foot engaging assembly coupled to the belt bya second resilient strap, the second resilient strap having a first endcoupled to a front pad and a second end coupled to a rear pad, whereinthe second foot engaging assembly is coupled to the second resilientstrap along a central portion of the second resilient strap between thefirst end of the second resilient strap and the second end of the secondresilient strap; and wherein the belt is secured to the waist of a userwhile the first foot engaging assembly and the second foot engagingassembly are respectively secured to the feet of a user in such a waythe first resilient strap and the second resilient strap strengthen thelegs of a user.
 2. The training device according to claim 1, furtherincluding a third resilient strap having a first end coupled to a frontpad adjacent the first end of the first resilient strap and a second endcoupled to a rear pad adjacent the second end of the first resilientstrap, the third resilient strap being coupled to the first footengaging assembly along a central portion of the third resilient strapbetween the first end of the third resilient strap and the second end ofthe third resilient strap; and a fourth resilient strap having a firstend coupled to a front pad adjacent the first end of the secondresilient strap and a second end coupled to a rear pad adjacent thesecond end of the second resilient strap, the fourth resilient strapbeing coupled to the second foot engaging assembly along a centralportion of the fourth resilient strap between the first end of thefourth resilient strap and the second end of the fourth resilient strap.3. The training device according to claim 2, wherein the first resilientstrap, the second resilient strap, the third resilient strap and thefourth resilient strap are releasably coupled to the front and rearpads.
 4. The training device according to claim 2, wherein the firstfoot engaging assembly is releasably coupled to the first resilientstrap and the third resilient strap, and the second foot engagingassembly is releasably coupled to the second resilient strap and thefourth resilient strap.
 5. The training device according to claim 2,wherein the first foot engaging assembly is slidably coupled to thefirst resilient strap and the third resilient strap, and the second footengaging assembly is slidably coupled to the second resilient strap andthe fourth resilient strap.
 6. The training device according to claim 1,wherein the first resilient strap is releasably coupled to the front andrear pads and the second resilient strap is releasably coupled to thefront and rear.
 7. The training device according to claim 6, wherein thefirst foot engaging assembly is releasably coupled to the firstresilient strap and the second foot engaging assembly is releasablycoupled to the second resilient strap.
 8. The training device accordingto claim 1, wherein the first foot engaging assembly is releasablycoupled to the first resilient strap and the second foot engagingassembly is releasably coupled to the second resilient strap.
 9. Thetraining device according to claim 1, wherein the first foot engagingassembly is slidably coupled to the first resilient strap and the secondfoot engaging assembly is slidably coupled to the second resilientstrap.
 10. The training device according to claim 1, further including afifth resilient strap having a first end coupled to a first side portionof the belt and a free second end adapted to be gripped by a user, and asixth resilient strap having a first end coupled to a second sideportion, opposite the first side portion, and a free second end adaptedto be gripped by a user.
 11. The training device according to claim 10,further including a first handle coupled to the second end of the fifthresilient strap and a second handle coupled to the second end of thesixth resilient strap.
 12. The training device according to claim 10,further including a releasable attachment assembly connected to the freesecond end of the fifth resilient strap and a releasable attachmentassembly connected to the free second end of the sixth resilient strap.13. The training device according to claim 12, wherein a jump rope isattached between the releasable attachment assembly on each of the fifthand sixth resilient straps.
 14. The training device according to claim1, wherein the first and second foot engaging assembly are the form of atoe cap.
 15. A kit including a training device including: a pair of padshaving a plurality of attachment loops thereon wherein the pads may beslide over a belt; at least two resilient straps with releasablecoupling means on each end thereof; a pair of foot engaging assemblies;and at least two straps with adjustable buckles associated therewith.